All Tests – Attention wicked boxer! – Used BMW

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Attention wicked boxer !

All Tests - Attention wicked boxer! - Used BMW

The last of the R range to be fitted in 1200 cc, the R 1200 S boxer from BMW is more sporty. The German engineers did not skimp for this: the 2006 novelty prides itself on delivering 122 horsepower for an empty weight of 195 kg. On your marks … Test !

BMW has decided to radicalize its S boxers and proclaim it loudly: "the most recent version of the boxer line takes over from the coveted R 1100 S by obeying a very clear motto: sportiness takes precedence". Key word in the sports category, the power of the new R 1200 S had to be impressive … And it is since the Bavarian manufacturer announces to have opened – except in France – the boxes of 122 horses !

It is "the most powerful production boxer bike of all time", specifies BMW which did not content itself with inflating the Flat Twin of 1170 cc which already equips the R 1200 GS, RT and ST. A slimming treatment was also required since the R 1200 S wanted to improve its sporting abilities , even if it denies wanting to compete with Ducati or Aprilia.

Besides the power-to-weight ratio, BMW also worked on the geometry of the beauty – or the beast? – and on the whole of the cycle part in order to make it more agile, manageable and efficient. To realize this, journalists were invited to the superb roads of South Africa and the small but very pleasant circuit of Killarney … First contact.

Sportier look

In profile, the R 1200 S has set off and its minimalist fairing largely contributes to this lively appearance. In its silver – red livery (invoiced at 475 €), it is even more fluid. But the solid colors yellow, black or white are enough to give it that touch of sportiness that the 1100 had not been able to adopt..

From the front, the new BMW R 1200 S retains a dual headlight similar to that of the R 1100 S, but more modern because more angular. The integrated indicators have migrated from their old black plastic brackets to the mirrors, so that the 1200 gains in aggressiveness and finesse..

The rear has also taken a hell of a facelift: the fairing envelops a pot that seems to want to escape, like that of a Ducati 999. According to the Germans, this silencer with its tailpipes superimposed must give the motorcycle "a certain verticality", accentuated by the particularly thin diode optics and comparable to that of an Aprilia RSV 1000.

The black painted housing and single-sided arm give the Behème a "factory" look of the most beautiful effect, like the black rims of the yellow and red / gray models – the white and black models with gray rims. On our test model, the 6-inch rear rim fitted with a 190 mm tire (count 115 €) completes the R 1200 S’s "racing animal" stamp..

Finally on the dashboard are two counters on a white background: the small one indicates a red zone at 8500 rpm and the other is graduated up to 260 km / h, which suggests performance largely sufficient to have fun. ! The flat screen also shows the gear engaged, the fuel level, the oil temperature, the time, the totalizer, two trips and, as soon as the fuel reserve is started, the remaining range..

Like any self-respecting sportswoman, no need to try to fit a lock or any accessory under the saddle: it is not made for that !

Relative comfort

Once mounted, the R 1200 S confirms that we are indeed on a sports car. Despite the reasonable saddle height (830 mm) and well-placed footrests, the handlebars placed relatively low and forward require a curved position..

Once started – the electronic immobilizer is standard – the boxer has the same charm of shifting the bike slightly to the right with each gas stroke, a phenomenon fortunately imperceptible in action.

The first kilometers at a slow pace – in the South African haze as in the city – are done without too much damage, provided you can increase the pace quickly, otherwise the wrists end up suffering. It is the same for the buttocks which are accommodated by a "spongy" saddle but too thin in the long run..

A doped boxer

The engine accepts to tow gently from 2500 rpm and offers vigorous pick-ups from 3500 rpm, in particular thanks to its compression ratio of 12.5 / 1 which benefits "to torque in the lower and middle rev range"according to its designers.

We note at around 4000 rpm the momentary appearance of clicking, despite the presence of a sensor allowing the boxer to function correctly with Super 95. The 98 is not available in South Africa, these lightweight noises – caused according to Bavarian engineers by the 95 – would be accompanied by a slight loss of power. To check on our roads !

The road then goes by at a brisk pace (130 km / h at 4400 rpm) and the R 1200 S is particularly agile. On winding roads, the driver easily plays with the 213 kg all full made of German. Its steering column angle of 66 ° and its trail of 87 mm (against 65 ° and 100 mm on the 1100) give it an unsuspected ease of handling.

From 90 km / h and in normal position, only the chest is sheltered from the wind. It is therefore necessary to press against the tank to benefit from complete protection of the bubble. Aesthetically, this one is however successful: fixed by spring clips, the fairing remains free of all screws while the slight prominence brushing against the tachometer singles it out nicely..

The R 1200 S dives from one turn to the next without the driver having to play with the shoulders or hips. Mounted on Telever, the front wheel remains stuck to the road while the braking dive is limited: the 1200 gives you confidence and you get up very quickly. !

Between 5000 and 6500 rev / min, the boxer marks a slight pause: the flat continues to increase in power but at a less sustained rate, so that we can not speak of hollow either … Perfect for winding while limiting overzealousness, we would still have preferred that the engine continue its increase in vigor until then exponential! At the same speed in 6th gear, the vibrations are a little too present.

Red zone at 8,800 rpm !

Fortunately, past 6500 rpm and up to the red zone located at 8800 rpm – never seen on a flat – the R 1200 S delivers a second rather unexpected thrust which shifts any consideration for comfort to the second plan ! On the "Full power" version at least, because it is at this moment that the boxer passes the bar of 100 horses. Hopefully the Franco-bridled version will benefit from a more lively character earlier, in order to fill the absence of the last 22 horses….

To achieve these 122 horsepower, BMW engineers had however modified many parts, as the presentation file recalls: "redesigned cylinder heads, new even stronger connecting rods, camshaft with a new distribution and greater valve lift and now rotating on three bearings, gas butterflies whose diameter has been enlarged by 5 mm and increased to 52 mm, Redesigned intake pipe, exhaust manifolds enlarged to 50 mm (+5 mm)"… Developments that will unfortunately go unnoticed in Gaul…

On track !

Although the R 1200 S does not wish to be cataloged among "super sports cars", the raw data concerning it tend to separate it from the" sporty GT or quiet "category: 122 horses for 190 kg empty! And it is naturally on the track that it expresses itself best…

The engine asserts its excellent health by greatly relieving the Telever when exiting turns in 3rd. The front wheel then just grazes the asphalt and the Paralever only shows its limits in terms of rigidity in particularly expert hands..

Braking calls for no criticism: powerful, sufficiently biting and enduring thanks to the "high-end steel braided pipes", we serenely connect the laps and we can easily refine our benchmarks. Only the ABS – optional at 950 € – requires to be disconnected by more seasoned pilots in order to make the most of the 320 mm disc pinched by four pistons and avoid an unfortunate "straight ahead".

As for the Ohlins suspensions (€ 610 more than the original Showa), if they are too firm on the road, they excel on the track. To justify its choice of "reasonable" radicalization, BMW nevertheless stressed that "sports drivers cover 5 to 10,000 km on the road and turn once or twice on the circuit per year".

It will take more time to focus on the rebound and preload settings at the front and compression, rebound, preload and spring height at the rear to benefit from an R 1200 S with more pleasant behavior on the road..

In curves, the R 1200 S is stable but agile enough to change the trajectory at any time with a simple pressure on the handlebars. The maximum angle has been increased by 2% to reach 52 ° and it will take a good dose of confidence to touch the toe clips on the road.

In small sequences, the BMW pleasantly surprises by showing itself playful and light, contrasting with its general appearance which remains far from that of an R6. The gearbox is nice and relatively fast.

Available from May 13, 2006, the sports boxer is sold for € 13,500 in the basic version. A price that goes up to 15,650 € with the tested options: silver / red color and red and black seat, disconnectable ABS II, Ohlins sport shocks and 6-inch sport rim with 190 tire.

In conclusion, the new R 1200 S offers very satisfactory performance on the road as well as on the track and definitely asserts its status as a sports car. Making the pilot’s job easier thanks to a safe and agile front axle – for a 1200 – its engine exudes exhilarating sensations despite its small irregularity. It remains to be seen whether the restricted version will be able to keep the breath of the original version. !

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